Rapha Winter Base Layer

The Rapha Winter Base Layer is a toasty merino offering with a unique design that'll help to keep you cosy.

When it comes to base layers, merino's king. The fine fibres make for a garment that's light, wicking and warm even when wet, without the itchiness associated with other, coarser wool variants. This winter base layer from Rapha takes all of those positives and combines them with a close, form hugging fit to create a base layer perfect for the very coldest of days.

Rapha are known for their quality merino base layers, and this winter base layer isn't going to change that perception. The 100% merino content and fine, 18.9 micron weave results in a garment with tremendous insulating power for its weight. Flatlock seams eliminate any potential areas of irritation from the design, as does the Raglan sleeve construction.

Styling is typical Rapha - classy and understated with just a couple of simple logos. As such, you can just about get away with wearing this off the bike if you've got the figure for it.

The fit is athletic and tight, as any base layer should be. The danger here is that any issues with the fit get amplified as there's no extra material to hide any poor design. Not so with the Winter Base Layer though, as I found the length in both the arms and body to be perfect for both on and off-bike use. The rear hem is dropped subtly to increase coverage when on the bike, but not overly aggressive as it make it look ridiculous off the bike. The arms are cut on the long side, enabling riders with a larger ape index (arm span to height ratio) to size down and get a tighter fit over the torso.

Despite the figure hugging fit, the inherent stretchiness of the merino used means that there is some wiggle room in the sizing. If you've enjoyed the Christmas period a little too much, don't despair.

Where the Winter Base Layer distinguishes itself from the crowd is the inclusion of the roll top neck – a sort of integrated Buff if you will. This is long enough to cover the entire neck and chin which makes a big difference in warmth. I was a little worried that the extended neck would cause some irritation out on the bike, but the softness of the material meant this was never an issue.

Due to the quality merino and the roll top neck, I found the Winter Base Layer to be ideal for the very coldest days. At temperatures of around 5C, I felt comfortable wearing just the base layer with a mid-weight windproof jacket over the top. For anything colder, the additional of a mid-layer and proper winter jacket has me pedalling comfortably down to -3C, or about the coldest it's gotten this winter down south.

As with all things Rapha, there is a premium to be paid over most of the competition, though it isn't outrageous in this case. Ultimately, if you're after something to keep you warm and dry in the coldest weather, you can't really go wrong with this one.

Verdict

Warm, well fitting merino base layer that ticks all the boxes.

road.cc test report

Make and model: Rapha Winter Base Layer

Size tested: Small, black

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

Described as "essential layering for extremely cold conditions", the Winter Base Layer is intended to keep you warm and comfortable on those days when, really, you should still be in bed with a hot cup of tea

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

Soft, versatile roll neck

100% merino (18.9 micron)

Raglan sleeves

Shaped rear hem for improved insulation

Flatlock seams

Rate the product for quality of construction:

9/10

Excellent. The weave is so fine that it doesn't really feel like wool at all.

Rate the product for performance:

9/10

For its weight, it delivers a massive amount of heat. The roll neck is a great idea and adds a couple of degrees to its useable temperature range.

Rate the product for durability:

9/10

No signs of wear so far, despite a hard winter's use and subsequent washing machine cycles.

Rate the product for weight, if applicable:

9/10

Despite its warmth, the Winter Base Layer is light and not at all bulky.

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:

9/10

Whether it's the fit or the material, or more likely, both, the Winter Base Layer is like a second skin in that you don't notice it at all.

For 5 years, racing was my life and I went all the way from a newbie bonking after 40 miles, to a full-timer plying my trade on the Belgian kermesse scene. Unfortunately, the pro dream wasn't meant to be and these days, you're more likely to find me bimbling about country lanes and sleeping in a bush on the side of the road.